Winter is still hanging on, and if you’re looking for a fun way to embrace the February chill, a winter wonderland is set to take over Newmarket’s historic downtown this weekend, just a quick drive north of the city.
From February 20 to 22, the charming town’s Main Street will be transformed into the Ice Lounge on Main, a massive pedestrian-only licensed zone where the après-ski vibes are high and the admission is completely free.
The street, typically bustling with cars, will instead be filled with cozy geodomes, fire tables, and glowing ice sculptures. You can grab a drink from one of the outdoor bars or participating local restaurants and wander the entire event area from Water Street to Park Avenue with your beverage in hand.
The street will also be packed with entertainment, including live performances by local musicians and buskers, sweet treats from free marshmallow roasting to maple taffy on snow, and winter thrills like the mini tube slide on Botsford Street.
If you’re planning on doing some shopping, you might actually get paid to do it. Through the Choose Local initiative, the first 100 people each day who spend $50 or more at downtown businesses can redeem their receipts for a $25 gift card. It’s a great way to support the boutique shops that make Newmarket’s Main Street one of the most charming stretches in the GTA.
The Ice Lounge kicks off Friday, February 20, and runs all weekend long. Visit their website here for a schedule of events and more details!